Minestrone Soup (Vegetarian/Vegan)

[Andriel_Isilien]

I got a copy of this from Top Secret Recipes. My favorite soup at Olive Garden is their minestrone 😋 In fact, this version is the only kind that I like. I have been making this for years, it's so good!! This is a good way to get a variety of veggies in your meal 🥕🥬🧄🧅🍅🌿

Servings: 8

Ingredients

3 TB olive oil

1 cup minced white onion (about 1 small onion)

1/2 cup chopped zucchini

1/2 cup frozen/fresh cut green beans

1/4 cup minced celery (about 1/2 stalk)

4 tsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves)

4 cup vegetable broth

2 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained

2 15-ounce can small white beans or Great Northern beans, drained

1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup shredded carrots

2 TB fresh parsley or 2 tsp dried

1 1/2 tsp oregano

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp thyme

2 bay leaves

3 cup water (less if you want thicker soup)

4 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup small seashell pasta

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or stockpot. Sauté onion, zucchini, green beans, celery, and garlic in the oil for 5 minutes or until onion begins to turn translucent.
2. Add broth to pot, plus drained beans, tomatoes, carrots, spices, bay leaves, and hot water. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add spinach leaves and pasta. Cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired soupy thickness.

* Each serving is about 1 to 1 1/2 cup. Grate your choice of cheese 🧀 over the soup and enjoy it with some crusty bread 🥖 Garlic bread is even better!